Editorial Review

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Reviews (517)

Okay for what it is, but disappointing nevertheless
Strobel does a good job of presenting the case for Christ. By interviewing various scholars ("expert witnesses"), he builds that case in the same way he would build a legal case to take to court. He anticipates each objection, each piece of countering evidence, that the opposing side might introduce, and he deals with these one by one. So far, so good.
Hate to lodge dissent
I hate to be a naysayer but as a former agnostic myself I had heard so much good about this book I was anxious to get my hands on a copy. Perhaps it was the buildup that raised my expectations too high. It is not bad for a book of its kind but nothing different from those who have gone before him down this road of apologetics.Many have disagreed with me on this but I do not think it would work well on the serious agnostic or atheist. Many, I think, would consider it an insult to their intelligence. So from the perspective of this Christian reviewer, you might want to look elsewhere for a book to share with friends. This one is helpful as a faith-booster but not a very good faith-inducer in my opinion; fair but no silver bullet of apologetics.

Good for new Christians and athiests
If you believe in God but have doubts that Jesus existed, this is a good book for you.If you don't believe in God this is a good book for you....if you go into it with an open mind.If you are dead set that God doesn't exist and don't want to find out other wise then don't read this book.I like this book because it gives many different scholar's views on various subjects.
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Subjects:  1. Apologetics    2. Bible - Biography - New Testament    3. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    4. Christianity - Theology - Christology    5. Christianity - Theology - General    6. Jesus Christ    7. Person and offices    8. Religion    9. Theology - Christology    10. Christian Interest    11. Religion / Christian Life    12. The historical Jesus   

Editorial Review

Award-winning reporter and author Lee Strobel (Read more

Reviews (195)

A weak case and a cheap trick
The author of this book claims to be a converted atheist asking tough questions from atheist perspective in forms of interviews with experts on Christiannity.However from the onset of the first interview it becomes very obvious that the whole thing is a pretense.After asking initial question (challenge to faith) and receiving first answer, any answer, he immediately assumes the role of wideeyed student and fails to give any real challenge in the follow up questions.Any freethinker could do much better job making those "experts" to work a little harder. The whole scheme resembles a martial arts movie where cohorts of opponents run towards the hero with thieir guards down only to be knocked down.
Well done and an easy read
4 1/2 really.This is a very well written and researched book.I am very impressed with the quality and the style that Mr. Strobel uses.This is an excellent book for believers and new Christians.Skeptics should read this book as a basis for understanding the true defense of Christianity.Believers will be comforted and skeptics will find good challenges in the pages of this work.
Another solid work
After reading "A Case for Christ" I read this book.Lee does an excellent job of interviewing the right people to answer each objection to Christianity.This book deffinately enhanced my faith.
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Subjects:  1. Apologetics    2. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    3. Faith    4. Religion    5. Theology - Apologetics    6. Christian Interest    7. Christianity    8. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (4)

An excellent book for the times
Companies laying off enmasse. Personal and business bankruptcies on the rise. These are challenging times and this excellent book offers answer and solutions to these challenges and more.I also recommend Business Buy the Bible for additional scriptures to enhance personal and spiritual growth.

An Excellent Christian Living Resource
The Glorious Journey by Charles Stanley is an excellent resource for Christians.Divided into sections, the book covers a wide range of topicsincluding Bible doctrine, daily living, personal growth, and spiritualdisciplines.Each entry contains a Scripture verse, commentary by Dr.Stanley, quotes, and more.The graphics, information boxes, and indexprovide for quick and easy access to specific topics.This valuableresource has answered many of my questions regarding the Christian walk,helping me to better understand God's word and apply it to my life.Eachof my brothers received a copy of this book as a birthday gift last year. I would recommend it to anyone desiring "insight, encouragement, andguidance" in their own walk with the Lord.

Wonderful Study Guide
I have used this book as a study quide as well as a devotional book for church group meetings. It is a great way to start conversations about hard to talk about subjects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baptist authors    2. Christian life    3. Christianity - Christian Life    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Inspirational - General    6. Inspirational - Protestant    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Living    9. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    10. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (17)

Surprising, Encouraging, New
I loved the DNA of Relationships, primarily because the information tucked inside surprised me. Realizing how important it is to first care for myself as an important part of being relationally whole has revolutionized my thinking and my practices. Anyone who wants to take their relationships from good to better to amazing should read and heed this book.

Excellent thought-provoking book
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the many examples included.
best relationship book
My husband and I are currently in a small group going thru this book. Lots of insight about relationships and how much we control our own life with our thoughts, actions and words. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    4. Interpersonal relations    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religious aspects   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (91)

Oh, just shut up and read it!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again now: It must be nearly impossible to write a general textbook on world religions that is (A) uniformly high-quality, (B) inoffensive to any reasonable person, and (C) easy, even fun to read. Huston Smith's The World's Religions fails each of these tests, especially the third one. I encountered an earlier incarnation of this book (then called The Religions of Man) as a freshman in college, served as a teaching assistant in graduate school for a prof who used it in his freshman world religions class, and used it myself for teaching a first-year course in world religions for many years. So, I've probably read this doggoned thing 100 times. I have, therefore, noticed problems of which even Huston Smith himself is likely unaware.
Close to worthless
Books like this have several inherent weaknesses.They appeal to those who are secular first of all, those who grew up without religion or with a minimal amount or to those who were raised religious and therefore have a sudden apiphany of wanting to 'know the other' and be 'open minded'.THe second problem is that the book is written by someone who comes obviously from one of the major religious groups, and therefore cannot truly be expected to be unbiased.Lastly the book suffers from the fact that it tries to steam down and condense each religion into a lovable little nutshell.There is no critiue, there is no analysis, and worst of all no judgement.
a great introduction
This is a great survey of major world religions. It's slender and highly readable. Smith takes complex religious and philosohical ideas and makes them easy to understand. If you're just starting out in the study of comparative religion, I'd start with this book and then move on to more challenging texts. This is a great primer and it may be all you need. Highly Recommended.
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Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. General    3. Reference    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religions    7. World - General    8. History of religion    9. Religion / Comparative Religion   

Editorial Review

A respected Zen master in Japan and founder of the San Francisco Zen Center, Shunryu Suzuki has blazed a path in American Buddhism like few others. He is the master who climbs down from the pages of the Read more

Reviews (117)

"Gone, gone, gone far beyond, enlightenment."
ZEN MIND, BEGINNER'S MIND is the most easily accessible guide to Zen practice, and is usually the first book that new practitioners and the Zen-curious approach after reading the more general "What's Zen Anyway?"-type books. Thus, it has developed an almost canonical reputation. Shunryu Suzuki (1905-1971) spent only a few years in America, was less than fluent in English, and taught in a way that was both simple and yet profound. With his easy intensity, Suzuki had a seminal role in establishing Zen as a viable spiritual practice in the United States and beyond.
This is the one that finally did it
This is the book that finally told me what enlightenment really IS--its something, but at the same time nothing.In addition, it tells you the no BS way to actualize it in your daily life.Just get it and see what happens, you will not be disappointed.If you are dissappointed with it, your cup is too full, poor some out and try again.

Thank you for this book
Thank you for your kindness. It's been a part of the years themselves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. General    3. Meditation    4. New Age    5. Philosophy    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (17)

Excellent Value; Excellent Thinker; Excellent Life; Excellent Resource
I think that it would be foolish and way beyond the scope of any review to attempt to critique the entire thinking of a great writer and thinker like Francis Schaeffer in this review so I won't. What makes his legacy so great, in my mind at least, is that he lived what he taught; his philosophy was not an end in itself but was a guide for him to live by, for him to find God by. You probably are not contemplating buying The Complete Works being unfamiliar with his thinking whose affect is still felt in Christendom and beyond, so I will comment from here on out on the actual set itself. This set contains all 22 of his major books. In 5 volumes, the books are not overly large so as to be unwieldy to attempt to read. Nevertheless, to put 22 full-length books into 5, you can imagine that the typeface is smaller than I normally like and the books are larger than I normally like. But for the price of this set, if you are going to read any of Schaeffer's work, this is definitely a very good value.
Wake Up Call for the 21st Centruy
Written in the 1980's, Schaeffer shows the direction that culture and religion were headed at that time. As I read through the pages in 2006 it's like viewing a roadmap for how the age in which we now live came to be. This series is a must for any Christian wanting tounderstand the world as it is now and his relation to it, as well as how Christians should respond to the modern world.

Excellent!
It arrived on time and well protected. Actually it is the best product I have purchased from the website. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - General    2. Religion    3. Religion - Theology    4. Theology   

Editorial Review

In the Read more

Reviews (118)

A modern-day Apostle?
With the precision of a surgeon and the eloquence of Jesus, John Spong's insight removes the cancerous tumor threatening to consume Scripture to reveal the Good News of Love. Praise is to God, Allah, or whatever you deem to call Him. If you are a freethinking, people-loving, faith-filled person, then this book is a must.
An Absolute Must-Read for Anyone that thinks they know the Bible
This book was a real eye-opener for me - and I have always questioned "authority".I have had my teenagers read it & recommend it to all my friends & family.
Dishonest and waste of time
"Bishop" Spong has turned out another "masterpiece." However, why not be honest and title the book, "Why I hate the Bible and Christians in general." I'm not entirely sure why Spong insists on calling himself a Christian but I do have a theory. Books by so-called Christians sell more then books by atheists. So why not write a book condemning all of Christianity all the while still calling yourself a Christian. Face it books sell that are believed to be by a "Christian author." Not to mention he gets a fat salary from the Anglican "Church."Spong denies every single traditional doctrine of Christianity. He not only believes that homosexuality is not a sin but he actually believes that it is a virtue. If you are really interested in learning how to hate Christianity then this is the book for you. If morality to you is only that which suits your purposes and what you find convenient then Spong is your man. If you really want to know about what the bible actually says and who Jesus Christ really was then read the bible and consider something worthwhile to help guide you through a decent understanding of the Christian faith, like C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity" or Peter Kreeft's "Catholic Christianity." For those who want even a more basic understanding of the Christian Faith try Lee Strobel's "A case for Christ." It is evident that Spong has a deep seated hatred toward Christianity and Christians in general and his book does not even do the cause of liberal theology any good. 1 star because there is no minus 1000. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - General    3. Bible Commentary    4. Christianity - General    5. Christianity - Theology - General    6. Criticism    7. Criticism, interpretation, etc    8. Episcopal Church    9. Episcopal Churches    10. Liberalism (Religion)    11. Religion    12. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    13. Religion / Christianity   

Editorial Review

Are Christianity and science incompatible? If there is a God, is he only an impersonal starter force? An introductory high school biology class first propelled Lee Strobel toward a life of atheism. God and science, he reasoned, were mutually exclusive. When the former legal editor of the Read more

Reviews (160)

Use for High School Age
This is a well written and informative book. I used this book to teach middle school students (grade 6-8) in a sunday school class this summer. I woud recomend using the Kids edition for that age because middle school students generally do not have enough knowledge of biology to understand this edition. I was glad that I had spent 2 years as a Biology major in College so that I could bring it down to the students level. For Others doing youth ministry please use the kids edition to teach middle school and lower and this edition for high school students. I found that using this along with the Adult book allowed me to better explain the book to my students.
Excellent Book
If you are familiar with the work of Strobel, this book will continue to impress you.If you are not however, and would like to know where the author is coming from, I encourage you to read his previous works, "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith" so that you might better understand Strobel.
Absolutely Fantastic Read
This is hands down the most comprehensive, complete and gripping book I have ever read covering the topics of how Christianity/Religion constantly seem at war with Science, and how if you actually spend some time doing some research and analysis, you'll find that the two are very compatible. Strobel eloquently and articulately goes into great details, but without "too much" detail. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    3. Christianity - Theology - Cosmology    4. General    5. God    6. God (Theology)    7. Proof, Cosmological    8. Religion    9. Religion & Science    10. Religion - Socialissues    11. Religion And Science    12. Christian Interest    13. Christian life & practice    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

Zecharia Sitchen's Read more

Reviews (148)

A very interesting hypothetical explanation of our creation/evolution?
Sitchin's theories are very interesting. He asserts that we (the human race) may be the result of a genetic engineering project undertaken to breed a race of slaves-supposedly engineered by combining the genetic material of an extraterrestrial race with that of indigenous primates. Fascinating theory. His evidence lies mainly in the interpretation of sumerian cuneiform hieroglyphics. He also does a good job of illustrating the parallels and origin, in and of respectively, all major contemporary religious systems.
THE 12TH PLANET
ZECHARIA STICHIN HAS AN ANSWER FOR MOST OF THE HISTORICAL ENIGMA'S THAT HAVE PUZZLED MANKIND TO THIS DAY. HE USUALLY HAS AT LEAST TWO REFRENCES OF WRITTEN HISTORY TO CORABORATE HIS HYPOTISES AND, MUCH OF THE TIMETHE BIBLE MAKES THE THIRD. IT TAKES LIFE, AND THE HISTORY OF US AS HUMAN BEINGS TO A NEW PERSPECTIVE. HIS SIX BOOK SERIES "THE EARTH CHRONICLES" IS OUTSTANDING! A MUST READ FOR FREE THINKERS.

Ontology
Z.Sitchin only interprets what he is reading. The "SEMANTICS" of our own Americanized English creates misunderstanding everyday...what does one think writings over 5,000 years will do? Especially, in a language by all accounts that is a dead language. This book gets 7 stars because it challenges the mainstream inexcusable belief system. Most people are spoon fed history never even questioning whether if it can be proven or not. Any "theory" can be invalidated. Since history is filled with supposition and conjecture, how can one embrace what one holds to be truth without empirical evidence? We can believe, think, even guess or for that matter ridicule our way at the truth but in the end we are no more wiser than a scholar who interprets ancients writings. Its a shame that people have to tear this man down using the guise of reviews. I think that Z. Sitchin in earnest pieces together a history that has been scattered. I also believe that the very thought that GOD is not some omnipotent/omniscient intelligence scares the hell out of people. In all fairness these writings are not Hollywood science fictions to be disregarded like some outrageous tabloids we find at the checkout line. These writings are hewn in stone set back in a time when the paradigm of that civilization can now only be understood if not in part by these very tablets. Let me add that I have read this book over 10 years ago and up until now I found no reason to influence or persuade/dissuade anybody but after reading some of the reviews it just seems unjust to let some of these meanderings go without my say on the matter....if this book seems misguided could it possibly be that just maybe the tablets that Z.Sitchin interprets may be what seems misguided. So if one can interpret Sumerian tablets and challenge the validity of Z. Sitchins works based on actual knowledge of the language not disdain of the subject then that would be a fair review. Otherwise...IT IS WHAT IT IS! Too all those who say Prove it...I say Prove that its not true...it cannot be proven or disproved just argued about. I recommend this book to those who are not satisfied with the same old hum drum rhetoric that church and state teach us. I liked this book so much that I bought another one....one more thing I see that the flat earth society still has some members. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civilization, Ancient    2. Controversial Knowledge    3. Extraterrestrial influences    4. Fiction    5. Interplanetary voyages    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. UFOs & Extraterrestrials    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / UFOs    9. Controversial Knowledge & Mysteries    10. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness   

Reviews (30)

Redemption
As usual, Karen Kingsbury has captured the essence of the struggles that we have just getting through everyday life.In conjunction with Gary Smalley, they give us hope and a better understanding of how to stay true to ourselves and our faith.Absolutely inspirational!

Redemption by Kingsbury
This is the best Christian novel I have read since Lahaye series.I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

One of my FAVORITES!
This is an inspiring book that you won't be able to put down!The storyline and plots are unpredictable and intriguing and the subtle teaching from Gary Smalley is helpful, but not preachy, b/c the characters are just learning stuff. I ordered the entire series b/c as soon as I finish one...I want the next!I am in love with the characters...I have even caught myself praying for them several times!:)Definitely get this book!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adultery    2. Christian fiction    3. Domestic fiction    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Religious    6. Married people    7. Religious - General    8. Romance - Contemporary   

Reviews (14)

An Expeditious and Clear Case made for Christ!
Lee Strobel, an award-winning journalist for the "Chicago Tribune," was plugging away and climbing higher up the ladder of journalism when he became confronted with his spiritual beliefs, or lack of, as Strobel was an atheist and his wife converted to Christianity. Strobel was forced to answer the question, "Who was Jesus?" Strobel's journey of skepticism to faith is as old as Christianity. One of the most famous journeys recorded is also a part of early Christian history. Saul, once a persecutor of Christians, becomes Paul and its most ardent purveyor of Christianity after being confronted by God on the road to Damascus. Strobel, in order to reclaim his wife, decides to use his Yale Law School education and years of refined reporting skills to discredit the Christian religion. But on the contrary, Strobel's plan backfires, and like the doubting apostle Thomas, he becomes a believer in Jesus due to the overwhelming amount of evidence.
This Book Gives Christians more back-up(if needed) and Unbelievers the Truth about Christ!
This book was absolutely amazing.This book is not only for Unbelievers(especially), but Christians as well.This book breaks down the hard questions and facts concerning Jesus Christ.It's kind of like trial, where evidence is brought forth in the defense of Jesus, hence the name, "The 'Case' for Christ".
The Case For Christ is Enlightening for Christians and Skeptics
Like many American Christians, I was brought to church most Sundays and endured countless sermons and lessons. Despite this seemingly rich education on Christian principles, I never was exposed to a lesson or class on the existence of God; God's existence was assumed as fact. As I matured into my twenties and went to college, the existance of God was no longer taken for granted. I encountered many agnostics and atheists among my many college professors. The net result of their influence was to question my faith in the existance of God. I never lost my faith, but I found it was a faith that could not withstand scrutiny.
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Subjects:  1. Apologetics    2. Christianity - Education - Children & Youth    3. Christianity - General    4. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    5. Christianity - Theology - Christology    6. Christianity - Theology - General    7. Jesus Christ    8. Person and offices    9. Religion    10. Religion - Youth Issues    11. Christian Interest    12. Christian spirituality    13. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (53)

Reading this book has changed my life!
When my wife informed me that she wanted a divorce and that she had no connection with me whatsoever, I was completely crushed and surprised.I love her dearly and started searching for literature to help me work through the situation.I ran across this book and was blown away by the revelations it brought forth concerning my past actions and behavior.I come from a rather long career in the Marine Corps, which pretty much sucked every ounce of compassion and tenderness out of my soul.This book opened my eyes to the blindness I had grown into over the past 17 years of our marriage.I had in fact sucked the joy out of my wife and kids without even knowing it.Never again will I allow Satan to blind me so with all of life's distractions (Work, Work, Work, Big house, Nice Cars, Work, Work, Work).
How YOU can change your marriage
My husband and I own both of these books.They really are best if you read them together: If Only He Knew (for the guys) and For Better or for Best (for the gals).I have reccomended these books to many people.I believe they help improve communication in marriage (and also other relationships!) so that you learn how to be a better partner in the relationship.
This book can change your life and marriage for the better
This book is for any man who wants to understand the woman he loves. I would recommend it to be read even by those who feel they have a great relationship already. I married my childhood sweetheart, a girl I have loved since we were so young we NEVER remember not being in love with each other and always expected to spend our lives together. She was 3 and I was 6 when she first told me we would get married. About 17 years later we did, and this is our 26th year of marriage, with 4 children. When I read this book, it turned into a genuine spiritual experience for me. It was much like my Christian salvation experience in that it was like blinders had been tken from my eyes, I was overwhelmed with guilt, and realized I needed to make some serious changes. I knew I had failed to appreciate my wonderful wife as much as I should have, and I saw how her love and strength had made our marriage survive. I had hurt her so many times, and so deeply, I wasn't sure she could heal. I tried to make things better, not really knowing how or what to do. This book let me understand for the first time in my life, just how much my wife had consistently demonstrated her love for me, and how I could work WITH her to have a great marriage. Most of all, I realized she had submitted to me always, but I had not truly submitted to her, like many men seeing the submission part for women, and not that men are just as much in submission to their wives. Also, I realized I had failed God who had given me this woman, by not truly honoring her as I should. So it let me fulfill my relationship with God, and with my wife. Some of the book expressedthings my wife had tried to tell me, but this book made it all clear in ways a man can understand. The book also made things better in my relationships with other women, in-laws, my children etc. I also purchased all the other books by the Smalleys that I could find. I should also mention that I read "The Five Languages Of Love" by Gary Chapman just before this book, which was very valuable also. I would highly recommend it.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    2. Family/Marriage    3. Love & Romance    4. Love / Sex / Marriage    5. Marriage    6. Christian Interest    7. Marriage, family & other relationships    8. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (14)

Moved me to tears
Rarely does a book move me to tears but this one did.This book was well written.I though Elizabeth and her family demonstrated great courage during this time of adversity.Not all was sad in the book.I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't read the book yet but you will be pleased at some of the ways God is working miracles in the lives of some of the other Baxter clan.Even though this is the last one in the Redemption series it is not the last we will see of the Baxters.Looking forward to getting glimpse of thier lives in the new series which is centered around the long lost Baxter son Dayne Matthews who we are introduced to in this book.

Reunion
Awesome read can't wait for the next series. Highly recommend this and I have serveral times already.

EXCELLENT AND INSPIRATIONAL
This book was wonderful although very sad at times. I cried more while reading this book than in a LOng time. Kingsbury is definitely a terrific author who I recommend to everyone. I loved the whole series. You can really get involved in all of the characters and I hated to see this series end. I hope Kingsbury continues to write in this style. I have enjoyed reading ALL of her books. She is awesome!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Christian fiction    3. Domestic fiction    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Religious    6. Popular American Fiction    7. Religious - General   

Editorial Review

Augustine's Read more

Reviews (105)

Essential classic of world literature
This is a good translation of St Augustine's 'Confessions', one of the most important works of Christian and also world religious and philosophical thought.
Great Masterpiece
Augustine's _Confessions_ have really had no parallel in the history of biographical writing. This account of his life stands as one of the most beautifully written Latin texts ever. Augustine was a master of prose writing and even in translations his work comes very powerfully forth.
Best book ever.
This is the greatest book in Christendom other then the Bible.Period.This translation (from the Latin) is quite good.It is translated in the contemporary idiom but also keeps the beauty of Augustine's language.EVERYONE should read this book more then once in their life.Experience Augustine's "sober intoxication" with God's "sovereign joy"! ... Read more

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